Killers of our people shall not know peace — Och’Idoma

The Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Nation, His Royal Majesty, Agaba’Idu (Dr.) Elaigwu Odogbo John, has condemned the wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks across Benue South, declaring that those responsible for the bloodshed would never know peace.

Speaking during the opening of the Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture Series 2026 in Otukpo, the Och’Idoma expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by bandits, armed herders, kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in communities across the zone.

At the commencement of the event, the royal father led participants in observing a minute’s silence in honour of victims of the violence that has ravaged parts of Idoma land.

“Our hearts remain deeply burdened by the painful loss of innocent lives and the destruction visited upon many communities across Benue South by the activities of bandits, armed herders, kidnappers and other criminal elements,” he said.

According to him, the attacks have left many families in mourning, destroyed homes and livelihoods, and forced many residents to abandon their ancestral homes.

“Many families have been thrown into mourning, homes destroyed, livelihoods shattered and ancestral lands sadly abandoned,” he lamented.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the monarch also issued a stern warning to those behind the violence.

“May their souls rest in peace and their killers cannot live in peace in Jesus’ name. Amen,” he declared.

The Och’Idoma further vowed that those directly or indirectly involved in the killings would eventually face justice.

“Those who participated or supported the killings, indirectly or directly, shall be hunted for their entire lives,” he stated.

He extended condolences to bereaved families, widows, orphans and displaced persons affected by the violence, assuring them that the Idoma nation remained committed to the pursuit of peace, justice, security and the restoration of affected communities.

The traditional ruler called on stakeholders at all levels to work together to end the insecurity plaguing Benue South and create conditions that would allow displaced persons to return to their communities.

He said the memories and sacrifices of those who lost their lives would never be forgotten, stressing that the Idoma people must remain united in the face of the challenges confronting the region.

The Idoma Centenary Plus Lecture Series brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, scholars, youths and members of the diaspora to discuss the future of the Idoma nation and chart a path towards greater unity, development and political relevance.